Portugal coach Martinez says the rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi is what keeps both players at their best.
Published June 23, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo finally joined the World Cup scorers after scoring twice for Portugal against Uzbekistan. After a difficult week, he reminded fans that his predatory instincts in the box have not diminished.
Ronaldo scored twice in the first half as Portugal cruised to a 5-0 win on Tuesday, a relief for both him and his team who had come under heavy criticism after a lackluster 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of the Congo in their opening game.
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Ronaldo also had to watch the likes of Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé light up the tournament with goals, but he also scored twice as he became the first player in history to score in six World Cups and overtook Eusebio as Portugal’s top scorer at the world finals.
Portugal national team coach Roberto Martínez said the rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi is important for both players and motivates them to stay at their best.
“I believe both players have improved their football over the years. Their rivalry is important for their own development,” he said.
“(Ronaldo) is a symbol and a role model for the national team. He has a great attitude on the pitch and in the dressing room.
“He not only scores, but also passes and creates chances, and he is a role model when it comes to the World Cup.”
Ronaldo seemed to be shouting, “I’m back!” Martínez said he never saw his players doubt themselves, as he said to television cameras as he left the pitch after scoring two goals.
“He’s a human being and he’s allowed to have emotions,” he said. “I’ve never worked with a player who was hungry to work again tomorrow, no matter what happened today.
“And that’s a quality I want to pass on to all young players.”
Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro, who lifted the trophy with Italy in the first of six World Cups in which Ronaldo appeared in 2006, said he had nothing but praise for Ronaldo’s longevity.
“When you play against Ronaldo, you can’t leave him with anything. If you give him an inch, he will score,” Cannavaro said.
“The (Portuguese) players play for him and pass the ball to him. As a defender, you have to be very smart to get close to him.
“He’s a very good professional. After the game, I said to him, ‘You can play for many more years and enjoy your football.’
FIFA president Gianni Infantino praised Ronaldo’s “incredible achievement” and wished him well in the remaining tournaments.
